Best Embedded Database Systems for Entity Framework Core

SQLite is a C-language library that offers a compact, efficient, and reliable SQL database engine that is fully featured. Recognized as the most popular database engine globally, SQLite is embedded in every mobile device and the majority of computers, while also being included in a myriad of applications that are used daily by individuals. Operating as an in-process library, SQLite provides a self-sufficient, serverless, and zero-configuration transactional SQL database engine. The source code of SQLite resides in the public domain, making it available for anyone to use freely, whether for commercial or personal purposes. With its extensive deployment and integration into numerous applications, SQLite stands out as an invaluable tool for developers in various high-profile projects. Its versatility and ease of use contribute to its unmatched popularity in the database landscape.

MySQL stands out as the most widely used open source database globally. Thanks to its established track record in performance, dependability, and user-friendliness, it has emerged as the preferred database for web applications, powering notable platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, alongside the top five websites. Furthermore, MySQL is also highly favored as an embedded database solution, being distributed by numerous independent software vendors and original equipment manufacturers. Its versatility and robust features contribute to its widespread adoption across various industries.

Microsoft has invested significant effort in creating a robust synergy between .NET and SQL Server, and VistaDB encapsulates this strength in a compact and easy-to-deploy format. The VistaDB engine consists of a singular, lightweight managed assembly that can be integrated with your application, with each database represented as a standalone file. By leveraging Xamarin, it is possible to have a complete relational database management system (RDBMS) right on your mobile device. VistaDB serves as a fully compliant ADO.NET data provider, offering support for Entity Framework, ADO.NET, and Typed Datasets, alongside its own direct access API tailored for efficient cursor operations. Thanks to ADO.NET, VistaDB seamlessly integrates with a broad spectrum of third-party object-relational mappers (ORMs), reporting tools, and additional resources. It also fully embraces the ADO.NET provider factory model, enabling developers to create a unified codebase that can adapt to either VistaDB or SQL Server during runtime. This versatility extends to a multitude of applications built on ADO.NET, encompassing not just your own software but also various reporting systems, ORMs, and other data-centric libraries within the .NET ecosystem. With VistaDB’s capabilities, developers can harness the power of a full-fledged database system while enjoying the simplicity of deployment and use.

IBM Informix® is a highly adaptable and efficient database that can effortlessly combine SQL, NoSQL/JSON, as well as time series and spatial data. Its flexibility and user-friendly design position Informix as a top choice for diverse settings, ranging from large-scale enterprise data warehouses to smaller individual application development projects. Moreover, due to its compact footprint and self-managing features, Informix is particularly advantageous for embedded data management applications. The rising demand for IoT data processing necessitates strong integration and processing capabilities, which Informix fulfills with its hybrid database architecture that requires minimal administrative effort and has a small memory footprint while delivering robust functionality. Notably, Informix is well-equipped for multi-tiered architectures that necessitate processing at various levels, including devices, gateway layers, and cloud environments. Furthermore, it incorporates native encryption to safeguard data both at rest and in transit. Additionally, Informix supports a flexible schema alongside multiple APIs and configurations, making it a versatile choice for modern data management challenges.

It is a highly scalable, embedded SQL database that can be accessed from anywhere. It also includes commercial-grade data security, disaster recovery, change synchronization, and data security.